Yankee Sea Hurricane

[santynus]

Hi all
I just finish one new version of the Hawker Hurricane
No. 800 Sqn, FAA Sea Hurricane with US mark during the Torch landings of 1942

[WarWolfe]

Whats the story behind the Us roundels on the Plane?

Nice profile

[Vigilante]

Great profile, Santy. I wish we had a skin to go with it.

The French were angry with the British because the Royal Navy had sunk or severely damaged major elements of the French Mediterranean fleet at Mers-el-K?bir on July 3, 1940, killing over 1000 French sailors. When the British and Americans invaded French North Africa in Operation Torch on November 8, 1942, all aircraft - US and British - were marked by white stars with yellow surrounds in the hope that the French would not fire on U.S. aircraft. It may have been somewhat effective in compounding confusion caused by coups led by anti-Vichy officers ashore; French resistance was only sporadic.

[Hunhunter]

Lovely profile!

You seem to have an interest in Operation Torch Vig?? My Great Uncle was involved in that operation. He was commanding a SBS section aboard HMS Hartland, which was tasked with landing British and US troops to take the port of Oran, and prevent the Vichy French from sabotaging the port installations. Both Hartland and its sister ship HMS Walney were badly shot up and incurred heavy casualties.

Sadly he died a few years ago. His obituary was printed in the Times over here and gives a bit more detail on the attack so I have attached it below in case you find it interesting.

[santynus]

Thank you all for your comments


thank you so much Hunhunter for your Great Huncle'story is very interesting.
you have to be very proud of him, I think he was a great man

best regards
Santino


P.S.
Sorry for my bad english

[Vigilante]

Your English is a sight better than my Italian! You're doing great.

HH, that is a fascinating story. Your great-uncle was a real man and he had a magnificent life. It took considerable courage to approach that beach in HMS Hartland let alone in a small boat. Here's a link to a pic of Hartland when she was the USCG Pontchartrian: http://www.uscg.mil/history/gifs/Pontchartrain_2.jpg

[santynus]

Thanks a lot for your kind word Vigilante

very interesting your photo about HMS Hartland